Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Bottleneck Bridge Ride, proudly brought to you by Trailnet, the Festus Tourism Commission, the City of Festus, and the Jefferson County Growth Association. Affectionately known as “One Hill of a Ride,” this event promises a memorable journey through the heart of Jefferson County.
Begin your adventure amidst the lively atmosphere of Festus Main Street, where anticipation fills the air. With route options ranging from 17 to 67 miles, cyclists of all levels can explore the charming town centers and tranquil country roads that define the region. Along the way, discover rest stops at local wineries, restaurants, and historical landmarks like the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.
For the younger riders, there are exciting Strider races, courtesy of Living Life on 2 Wheels, adding an extra dash of fun to the day. And after the ride, linger awhile to enjoy live music, delicious dining options, and unique shopping experiences.
Join us for a day of cycling, community, and celebration at the Bottleneck Bridge Ride—an event that promises unforgettable moments and the simple joy of exploring the great outdoors.
Registration includes:
Exclusive Bottleneck Bridge 2024 T-shirt
Complimentary Beer and Fitz’s Beverages
Well-stocked rest stations
Kaldi Coffee for morning fuel
SAG support
Post-ride street party with live entertainment
Vendor stations with giveaways and engagement
Entry to win a fun Festus raffle basket
Schedule
6:30 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging for all routes begins
7:45 am – Registration closes
8 am – rolling group start led by a police escort. Once riders have been escorted into Crystal City, they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the Cities of Festus and Crystal City.
11 am – live music starts and food vendors open up
12 pm – Kid’s race begins under the Trailnet arch at the start/finish line
🚲🍦 Get Ready to Pedal & Savor: Join Us for the Ultimate Ice Cream Bike Ride! 🍦🚲
Indulge Your Senses: This year, we’re pulling out all the stops to make your July ride a truly unforgettable experience. Picture this: cruising along the beautiful Madison County Trail system, surrounded by lush greenery and summer sunshine, fully stocked aid stations with smiling attendants, and plenty of fun back at the finish line.
🍨 Treats Galore: From creamy scoops of locally churned ice cream courtesy of Ice Caps Creamery to fizzy root beer floats generously provided by Fitz Root Beer, we’ve got all your cravings covered. And for those who prefer a different kind of chill, we will have you sorted with ice-cold beer.
👨👩👧👦 Fun for the Whole Family: Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, there’s something for everyone at I Scream for Ice Cream Ride. Choose from a variety of routes ranging from leisurely tours to longer treks, and bring the whole family along for a day of outdoor adventure.
🛍️ Stay, play, and shop! You won’t want to miss the awesome sidewalk sale at the Cyclery and Fitness Center. From top-of-the-line bikes to must-have gear, they’ve got everything you need to take your ride to the next level. 🚴♀️ Trailnet merch will be sold at event-only pricing and local food trucks will be on site, so bring extra cash or a card. Trust us – the fun doesn’t stop when the riding ends!
Mark Your Calendar: We’ll see you at I Scream for Ice Cream – where every mile leads to delicious treats and unforgettable memories! 🚴♀️🍦
Here’s the Scoop (Schedule)
6:15 am – Registration opens
7:30 am – Staging begins for 51 Mile Ride
7:40 am – Registration closes
7:45 am – 51 Mile Start*
8:00 am – 35 Mile Start*
8:15 am – 23 Mile Start*
8:30 am – 10 Mile Start*
*Rolling group start led by a police escort. Once riders have been escorted onto the MCT Trail, they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the City of Edwardsville.
Exciting event extras!
Stay the weekend in downtown Edwardsville! Urban Collective Boutique Hotel has offered a 15% discount to folks registered for the I Scream for Ice Cream Classic. Nestled in the heart of the city, this boutique hotel features eight distinct suites, each with its own unique ambiance, colors, themes, styles, and décor. Discount code will be sent in your confirmation email. Book before rooms sell out!
The Chain of Rocks Bridge is turning another year older, and what better way to celebrate than with a Birthday Bash Bike Ride!
That’s right, the BBB Classic is back for 2024 and better than ever! Come out on Saturday, May 18th, to commemorate the 95th Birthday of the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and enjoy a part of St. Louis history. We have routes planned for folks of all comfort levels, fun festivities with food and libations, and, of course, there will be cake!
The Bridge Birthday Bash is your chance to enjoy unique routes on relaxed back roads, greenways, and the Madison County Trails. This ride is perfect if you’re new to biking or just got back into it. We have everything from a three-mile family fun roll to a 55-miler for those who want to pay it forward and earn themselves an extra slice of cake.
Saturday’s Schedule:
Check-in and late registration begins at 7:30 am. Look for the blue Trailnet tents.
The ride will have an open start window from 7:30 am to 8:30 am. Be sure to have the latest route updates downloaded for directions.
8:45 am: Staging for family (3.7 mile) route.
9 am: Family Route begins, led by Trailnet Staff
10 am: Post-ride festivities begin.
Family yard games, beverages, and cake will be available and included in the registration cost. Food trucks will be on-site with additional meal options available for purchase.
Special Engagement!
As part of our May National Bike Month programming, we are proud to offer you a chance to see a screening of Bike Vessel; a moving documentary about a filmmaker and his father’s incredible journey to health. Tickets are free and will be offered as an add-on during registration.
Trailnet’s 2023 Ride the Rivers Presented by SSM Health is the most unique 100-mile ride in the Midwest. Challenge yourself on Trailnet’s flagship ride while experiencing some of the most amazing landscapes the area has to offer.
The route is the experience. Starting in the early hours of the morning, your adventure will take you all over the region. You’ll ride river ferries, rolling hills, and urban trails past orchards, prairies, small towns, and larger cityscapes. At your journey’s end, arrive at a block party at The Streets of St. Charles, featuring food, drinks, and a well-earned rest. This supported ride gives you a unique chance to crush 100 miles!
Want to join in on the century fun with fewer miles? The 100km Metric Century comes in at 64 miles! You’ll ride through many of the same landscapes as the 100-mile Century while enjoying the same benefits and support. The Metric Century isn’t lacking in beauty or difficulty.
What is included with my registration?
2023 limited edition Ride the Rivers socks
Chip timing
Professional photos
Rest stops and SAG support
Ferry rides
Goody bag with Trailnet stickers, local merchant coupons, and other fine swag
Post-event celebration including live music, award-winning food trucks, Urban Chestnut beer, and post-ride chiropractic adjustments by Logan University
Take advantage of early registration now, as prices will increase on August 1st.
Schedule
Check-in begins at 5:30 a.m.
Ride start time: 7:00 a.m. for full century | 7:15 for metric century
Start location: The Streets of St. Charles | 1520 S 5th St, St Charles, MO 63303
Routes Lengths: 104 miles, 65 miles (route may change slightly due to construction at the time of marking)
Terrain: flat, rolling hills | mixed pavement
A HUGE thank you to this year’s sponsors:
SSM Health, Streets of St. Charles, Logan University, Urban Chestnut Brewing Co., Pickle Juice Co., Kaldi Coffee
There is still time to join us as a sponsor! Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Don’t wait to sign up! The best pricing is early in registration. The cost will increase the closer we get to Sept. 30th.
Trailnet Members
Trailnet members receive a $15 discount on registration.* Members must claim their account in the Trailnet Members Club on Run Sign Up to receive the discount. Instructions here. Peloton Society members can register for 50% off. Check your email for a coupon code, or email memebrship@trailnet.org for assistance. Please note that free ride membership vouchers are not valid for the Century.
Thank you. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 30th!
*Thank you for being a Trailnet member! Trailnet is a non-profit charity, so we rely on your generosity to give back to our community. Your membership comes with free ride vouchers, which can be used for any regularly-priced Trailnet Classics ride. Ride the Rivers is our premium fundraising ride, priced to provide a higher quality ride experience than our other Classics AND to generate critical funding for our mission.
Presented by the Festus Tourism Commission, the City of Festus, Trailnet, and the Jefferson County Growth Association, the Bottleneck Bridge Ride has lovingly been called “One Hill of a Ride.”
Leaving from the festival atmosphere on Festus’ Main Street, with routes ranging from 17 to 67 miles, the ride takes you through the town centers and down the country roads of Jefferson County, with rest stops at local wineries, restaurants, and historical sites such as the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.
Plus, this year the Bottleneck Bridge Ride is an official Pedal the Cause Training Ride! Take this opportunity to prepare for the big weekend, September 23-24, 2023!
Also, for the kiddos, we have Strider races brought to you by Living Life on 2 Wheels. Come for the bike ride and stay for the live music, dining, and shopping.
General Information
Ride Start Time: 8 am
Check-In Begins: 6:30 am
Start Location: Main Street Festus
Routes Lengths (in miles): 13, 34, 41, 66
Terrain: Mostly Flat | Smooth pavement
Group Start
All riders will line up at 8 am and leave Main Street as a group led by a police escort at a controlled pace. Once riders have been escorted across Highway 67 they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the Cities of Festus and Crystal City.
The Giro Della Montagna (“Tour of The Hill” in Italiano) is our showcase of the City of St. Louis. Giro is less forest green and more red brick, featuring unique, bike-friendly routes through neighborhoods like St. Louis Hills, Carondolet, and the Central West End. The Giro is the perfect complement to our rural rides but with more big-city charm.
Riders will be allowed to start anytime after 6:30 am check-in but must leave before 8:00 am. If we allow riders to start later than 8:00 am, we have to keep rest stops open much later in the day which puts a strain on our amazing volunteers who have given their time to keep you hydrated and fed. They appreciate your cooperation and so do we.
We strongly believe a good July bike ride should end with ice cream. I Scream for Ice Cream is a good July bike ride.
This one is all about family fun. With new routes ranging from 10 to 51 miles along Madison County’s beautiful paved trail system, there’s something for everyone. Even on a hot day, the I Scream for Ice Cream ride is easygoing fun for all—and of course, since it is a good bike ride, it ends with ice cream, beer, food, and awesome sales at The Cyclery and Fitness Center in Edwardsville.
General Information
Ride Start Time: 8 am
Check-In Begins: 6:30 am
Start Location: The Cyclery – Edwardsville, IL
Routes Lengths (in miles): 10, 23, 34, 51
Terrain: Mostly Flat | Smooth pavement
Group Start
All riders will line up at 8 am and leave The Cyclery as a group. Edwardsville Police will be blocking traffic long enough for all riders to safely leave the start and enter the trail. Once riders have been escorted to the trail, they may ride at their own pace. The group start is not optional and is required by the City of Edwardsville.
The StG Gravel Classic presented by Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital is back for the second year! After being voted one of the best gravel grinders in Missouri by the readers of Terrain Magazine, we’ve come back with a dustier and more epic event. This year we’re adding a bigger pre-event packet pickup party, live music, and a few other surprises.
We’ve added two new events! To encourage the next generation of gravel grinders, we have added the Little Pebbles category, which features a 5.5 mile loop and is aimed at ages 8 through 15. We believe that gravel grinders shouldn’t be limited to two wheels, so we’ve partnered with Big River Running and added a 5k walk/run.
Registration will be available online only and closes at 7:45 am on the morning of the event. Registered riders may pick up their numbers at packet pickup the evening before or on the morning of the event.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT THE EVENT, VISIT THE REGISTRATION PAGE
Beans, Bikes and Brews is BACK! Trailnet’s signature rides calendar release and fundraiser returns on March 23, 2023 from 6 to 9 pm at The Heights Community Center.
We’ll be bringing back crowd favorites – delicious chili, a 50/50 raffle, and the release of the rides calendar. You can be among the first to register for all of Trailnet’s 2023 Classics!
Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a season pass at an unprecedented discount.
This year, we will also feature new opportunities for you to engage with our mission. Experience a pop-up traffic calming demonstration. Ask questions about the 2022 Crash Report. Take action with our Advocacy team. Practice fixing a flat with our bike educator.
